Mouthpiece

try2 · Feb 28, 2008

The mouthpiece that came with my alto was a bit rubbish, so I bought another.
It has a lay of *7 and I find it hard to put enough pressure on the reed to hold a note.
Is there a recommended average lay gap for a mouthpiece for a newbie with a reasonably strong jaw?

Pete Thomas · Feb 28, 2008

You don't say what make, but 7* on many mouthpieces is a bit wide for a beginner.

A Yamaha 4C is good.

Bobby G · Feb 28, 2008

Seconded, a Yamaha 4c is good and also very widely used by newer players. If, however, you do feel the need for something elsesay if you've been playing a little while and have some idea of the kind of sound you want, something like a Selmer C or C*, or an Otto Link or Meyer 5 could well be suitable. The Vandoren pieces also are highly regarded although I've not used one on alto

mick_wilson · Feb 28, 2008

im a beginner and i can absolutely Garuntee a yamaha 4c and sooo cheap tooo

try2 · Feb 29, 2008

Thanks Guys,
very helpful advice.
I am trying to get the full picture.
What is the difference between a Yamaha 4C and a 5C ?
Also I am interested in a jazz sound ... any thoughts on a Runyon
jazz mouthpiece with a spoiler. Would this be hard to learn on?

Cheers
Tony

tengu01 · Feb 29, 2008

Hi there try2,

I would really recommend you get to grips with just getting a good sound first. The jazz sound will come as your chops get stronger and you practice long tones. If you look up other sax forums and look up the concept GAS, you have the rest of your saxophonic life to spend oodles of cash on mouthpieces, but your needs will change and what you want from a mouthpiece will also change.

Right now, as a beginner, you will find that your embouchure will strengthen up as you play and you will notice these changes. Don't try and change your mouthpiece to keep up with that.

The ones mentioned above are all good places to start and stay until you have developed further.

I would suggest the following steps:
1. Get a very soft reed to go with your 7* mouthpiece and practice loads
2. Get one of the mouthpieces recommended above with a reed that works and practice loads
3. Practice long tones. Loads of them.

Good luck 🙂

Bobby G · Feb 29, 2008

A Yamaha 5c has a tip opening a bit wider than a 4c and as such may be a little harder to get to grips with at first.

tengu01 · Feb 29, 2008

Bobby G wrote:
A Yamaha 5c has a tip opening a bit wider than a 4c and as such may be a little harder to get to grips with at first.

yeah. What he said

jools · Feb 29, 2008

haha. Get yourself to a shop where you can try a few different ones before you buy. That's the only way to really decide. (and you learn a whole load into the bargain)